Got a call Wed. afternoon from a buddy of mine who has his own contracting business. As he often does (actually we do for one another)…he was calling me about a job he couldn’t get to. Client is having the exterior of their house painted by some crew I’ve heard of, but don’t know personally. Several windows and doors need some repair/replacement work done on the trim. Buddy can’t get to it right away, can I?
The project I’m currently on is stalled for a bit, so I say sure….couple days work…perfect little fill in project.
Go there to get started today. Forecast for the afternoon wasn’t the best, so I planned a light day. Attention a couple of windows and get them buttoned up before any of th expected weekend rain rolls through.
Midmorning…I get a call from the HO regarding the aforementioned “project on hold”. Can I meet with them around noon? Sure….what can it take….1/2 hour?
12:30 rolls around, and I’m at a point where if I stop…go meet with HO…get right back…I’ll be where I wanted to be come the end of the day. Problem was….I had tools ALL over the place. Drill and screwgun charging…compressor and guns all set up….sawzall…table and chopsaws…cords. Do I leave them out around this painting crew that I’ve never met before? Do I tell them I’m leaving but will be right back?
I figure….if I don’t say anything, they might not even realize I’m gone. I’ll be “right back” after all. So that’s what I do.
An hour and a half later, I’m rushing back to the house in the pouring rain. Pull up in front of the house to see that the painters have packed it in and called it a day.
“Shoot!….I hope they didn’t steal my tools”
Not only did they not steal my tools…..they packed them all up in their cases and put them on the back porch to stay out of the rain. Tablesaw and chopsaw have a tarp draped over them, held in place by a half dozen of the painters spring clamps.
I gotta tell ya…..I know I wouldn’t have done that for a virtual stranger who just suddenly dissapeared.
I know three painters gettin’ a free lunch on Monday!
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Replies
Lunch and don't forget to get a couple cards from those guys.
There is good left in this world.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I've done the same and have had it done for me way more times than I could count.
just nice working on jobs where everyone gets along.
during lunch ... don't forget to ask for a stack of biz cards.
actually ... last time I had my truck windows rolled up for me was by the painters on a new const job. Didn't really know then aside from the morning nod's as ya walk into the job.
" 'sup ..."
Jeff
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Made my day with that post!
Nice to know people will still take the time to help out someone they don't know on a jobsite.
Have to say that, overall, the nicest trades on the projects I've had over the last few years have been the painters.
Nice counterpoint to the recent thread that stereotyped painters as a bunch of drunks!
Although by the same token I suppose I shouldn't stereotype all drunks as being shiftless and dishonest! ;-)
John Svenson, builder, remodeler, NE Ohio
Maybe they were so drunk they thought they were loading the tools in their truck instaed of the porch.:>)
Family.....They're always there when they need you.